Packaging for Small Bottles

Abstract

A packaging arrangement ( 1 ) for bottles ( 12 ) of small volume, having a first packaging element ( 2 ) and a second packaging element ( 3 ), wherein each of the first and the second packaging elements ( 2, 3 ) has at least two depressions ( 4, 4 ′) spaced apart from each other and formed in a dimensionably stable manner, whose openings are surrounded by strips ( 10, 10 ′) with substantially level surfaces, by means of which the packaging elements ( 2, 3 ) are connected with each other in a manner sealed against fluids and releasably. The depressions ( 4, 4 ′) are equipped with spacing ribs ( 5, 5 ′), which are distributed over the circumference, which fix the bottles and the closures in place.

1 . A packaging arrangement for bottles of small volume, such as ampules, having a first packaging element for receiving the lower sections of at least two bottles, and a second packaging element for receiving the upper sections of at least two bottles, wherein each of the first and the second packaging elements has at least two depressions spaced apart from each other, which depressions have been formed in the packaging element in a dimensionably stable manner and their openings are surrounded by strips with substantially level surfaces, wherein the first and second packaging elements are connected with each other by these strips in a manner sealed against fluids and releasably, wherein the depressions provided between the strips are equipped with spacing ribs distributed over their circumference, which center the bottles and the closures and maintain them clampingly seated. 
   
   
       2 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the spacing ribs are formed by indentations stably formed in the wall of the depressions. 
   
   
       3 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the height of the depression in the first packaging element for receiving the lower portion of the bottle is less than the height of the bottle to be received. 
   
   
       4 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the strips located between the depressions have pre-weakened lines. 
   
   
       5 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the pre-weakened lines in the strips preferably extend centered and parallel with the respective outer edges of the first and/or the second packaging element. 
   
   
       6 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the second packaging element has a greater width in respect to the first packaging element and has notches or recesses at regular distances on its longitudinal edges, and thus is embodied with wings in order to make the removal of the second packaging element from the first packaging element during opening easier. 
   
   
       7 . The packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the packaging arrangement is made of a translucent or transparent plastic material. 
   
   
       8 . A method for packaging bottles of small volume in a packaging arrangement in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises the steps of:
 separating the first and second packaging elements;   inserting bottles into the first packaging element;   placement of the second packaging element on top of the first packaging element ( 2 ) filled with bottles;   connecting the first and the second packaging elements; and   sterilization,   wherein the step of sterilizing can be performed on the first and second packaging elements, the bottles, the first packaging elements filled with bottles, and/or the packaging arrangement filled with bottles and closed.   
   
   
       9 . (canceled)